WATCH: Jannik Sinner blows a kiss to sky, dedicates China Open 1R victory against Nicolas Jarry to late aunt Meggi in heartfelt gesture
Jannik Sinner paid tribute to his late aunt, Meggi Rauchegge, following his first-round victory at the 2024 China Open. The Italian defeated Nicolas Jarry to advance further in the ATP 500 event.
Sinner's aunt Meggi had been unwell for quite some time. After defeating home favorite Taylor Fritz in the US Open final, the 23-year-old dedicated his victory to his aunt in an emotional tribute.
"I would like to dedicate this title to my aunt because she is really not feeling well health-wise. I don't know how much longer I still have her in my life," Sinner said during his on-court victory speech.
Tragically, on September 21, Sinner's aunt passed away at the age of 56, with the cause remaining unknown. A few days later at the 2024 China Open, the World No. 1 paid a heartfelt tribute to her following his first-round win over Nicolás Jarry.
Sinner lost the first set 4-6 but managed to come back stronger. The 23-year-old comfortably won the next two sets 6-3, 6-1 to secure his place in the second round.
In a heartfelt gesture following his victory, Sinner blew a kiss to the sky to honor his late aunt, Meggi Rauchegge. Watch the clip shared by Olly Tennis below:
Meggi Rauchegge was Sinner's maternal aunt who played a pivotal role in his upbringing, offering care and support throughout his childhood.
"She’s a very important person": Jannik Sinner on his aunt
Jannik Sinner expressed gratitude for his aunt after his US Open triumph, recalling how she played a pivotal role in his childhood. The Italian revealed that Meggi Rauchegge accompanied him to ski races and helped care for him during summers in his parents' absence. He said in his US Open press conference.
"My aunt, she’s a very important person because when my parents were working every day and all day. So sometimes when I had to go to ski races, I went with her. She always helped me in summer time when my parents were working," Sinner said.
Sinner further reflected on spending his days off with his aunt when he was young.
"I had some days off or free days. You know, when you’re young, you don’t go to practice every day. So, I hang around a lot with her and she’s very important person in my life," he added.
Following his first-round win at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, Sinner will face either Roman Safiullin or Stan Wawrinka in the second round.